Assessing Heart Failure Guideline Adherence

Duke University researchers suggest that less than one half (44%) of patients with heart failure (HF) and an ejection fraction of 45% or less receive all guideline-recommended therapies for their condition. Adherence to HF recommendations for using β-blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin blockers, and anticoagulants were better than adherence to recommendations for using implantable cardioverter-defibrillators, cardiac resynchronization therapy, or aldosterone antagonists. Lower New York Heart Association functional class and care by a cardiologist were linked to better guideline adherence.